Labelling theory Flashcards
What is the overview of labelling?
It is a micro sociological approach. Use it to show how peoples communication to others and image of themselves can cause crime. Argue no act itself is inherently criminal in all times and situations. Regard official stats as socially constructed.
What does Becker argue?
Social control agencies campaign for a change in law to increase their own power.
What is Beckers example of a law?
The Marijuana Tax Act.
What does Becker say a deviant is?
Someone who the label has been successfully applied to.
What are moral entrepreneur?
People who have a high status so can influence people on laws.
When someone is convicted, what does it depend on?
Interactions with agencies, appearance, background, biography, and the circumstances.
According to Cicourel, what are police typifications?
police crimialise specific people who have specific characteristics or backgrounds.
What is Cicourel’s negotiation of justice?
MC can buy their way out of getting prosecuted by being able to afford the best lawyers, whereas WC cannot afford them so they will be more likely to get prosecuted.
What does Cicourel say about stats on crime?
Argue that stats are not valid due to the negotiation of justice e.g., Brock Turner.
What does Lemert say Primary Deviance is?
Where a criminal is not labelled, offenders can rationalise them away and they have little significance for individuals status or self-concept e.g., speeding.
What does Lemert say Secondary Deviance is?
Where a criminal is labelled. People who are caught are publicly labelled so people can call/see them in a specific way. Live up to this master status so are more likely to commit more crimes and join subcultures to socialise with other criminals.
What is Goffman’s study?
Treatment of mental patients- deviance can be created by societies reaction to it. When patients arrive, pressure is put on them to accept that they are mentally ill.
What is the mortification process and what does it involve?
Where individuality is stripped from patients. This includes clothes and possessions, being washed, disinfected, and having hair cut, controlled by a strict regime, given little freedom, and given a new identity.
How are mental patients institutionalised?
Some accept the label of deviant, some believe they are unable to function on the outside, and some believe that when they do leave they will be labelled as an ‘ex-mental patient’.
What does Braithwaite say?
Increases in the attempt to control and punish young offenders are having the opposite effect.
